[Dracule1]

I've been on the hunt for a preamp and came across the Audio-gd C3 final version:

http://www.audio-gd.com/Pro/pre/C3End/C3endEN.htm

It comes with schematic of the signal section.  Does it seem to be well executed? Any obvious or subtle design flaws? It has had some positive reviews by owners on the web.

[poseidonsvoice]

Dracule1,

I had a cursory look at the link as well as the schematic. It seems to be executed quite well. About the only design flaw in my opinion?

The choice of amplification device. In other words, it doesn't use tubes 

The PS is clearly overkill which is great and it probably competes with mega buck solid state designs made by Pass, Coda, Krell, etc...

If they have a good return policy, I would give it a try...(I think Pacific Valve is their U.S. distributor if you live in the continental U.S. of A)

Anand.

[Dracule1]

Yea, that was my impression when I looked into the build quality.  However, they don't have a return policy as far as I know.

[Speedskater]

That pre-amp has the XLR connectors shield pins wired incorrectly.

[mhconley]

Yea, that was my impression when I looked into the build quality.  However, they don't have a return policy as far as I know.

Pacific Valve has a 30-day money back guarantee.

Martin

[Dracule1]

Thanks.  I was thinking of ordering direct from Audio-GD who doesn't seem to have a return policy.  I think Pacific Valve opens the box (I guess to inspect the item themselves) before they ship the item to their customers.  This is a problem for me because you can never tell if what you are getting is factory fresh or something that was a demo or refurbished unit.  Not accusing Pacific Valve of anything here, just my paranoia.

[poseidonsvoice]

That pre-amp has the XLR connectors shield pins wired incorrectly.

Which picture did you see that? The shield pins as I recall should be wired to chassis ground.

Anand.

[Speedskater]

Which picture did you see that? The shield pins as I recall should be wired to chassis ground.
Anand.

Yes the XLR shield pin should be connected directly to the chassis (and not to the audio ground as it has nothing to do with the audio signal).
But the bottom schematic on the linked page, shows it connected to the audio ground.

[J Payton]

I have the little brother to this unit (power supply in same chassis) C-39 MK3.

I bought it used on a whim. It is built like a tank and is dead quiet and throws a wide sound stage. I replaced a Innersound Ipre with the C-39 in a second system and plan to keep in there. I have only used the XLR's as my system is all balanced.

For the money I believe you would be hard pressed to match or beat this unit.

Joel

[Dracule1]

Hi J, can you tell me what you like about your Audio-gd preamp?  Any negatives?  Thanks.